Info & Homework

If you’ve listened to the weekly segments with Jamie and me on Spirit FM, you know that occasionally “homework happens!”

You also probably have heard that, after many years, Jamie has left Spirit FM to use his talents in the service of a philanthropic organization helping the homeless. Here are some of the homework suggestions and links to our talks!

Our segments are for information and entertainment purposes; if you need counseling, please contact a professional in your area.

Check Here for future Homework!

January 21: Today, Jamie and I discussed respect in relationships. How easy it is to be so caught up in our own feelings and wants that we lose sight of the fact that, when we are dealing with another human, we are dealing with an immortal being! You can hear the segment here: Respect The homework: see if you can banish contempt and criticism for one day at a time. What counts? Eye rolling. Sighing. Disdain. Sweeping criticism. Name-calling. Sarcasm (yes, I know it’s supposed to be humor, and yet the research indicates it hurts).

January 14, 2019

This week, Jamie and I explored the trait of humility – of recognizing that we are no more “special” than anyone else, or at least, attempting to realize and remember this. Humility allows us to listen to others with compassion and be willing to put their needs before ours. You can hear the segment here: Humility. For homework, try to go an hour, or a day, without complaining. If you’re good at keeping it in, see if you can curtail mental griping, too!

January 7, 2019

It’s still the Christmas Season in the Catholic Church, and today Jamie and I discussed how many people return to their faith community – across religions – at the major holy days. This gives regular worshippers an opportunity to be welcoming, friendly – and to follow up with offers to companion the occasional worshipper if they are ready to explore returning to, or turning to, the faith. For resources, you can visit www.alphausa.org, or contact Stjeromealpha@gmail.com. Hear the segment: Evangelization

Looking for Homework?

As a long-time college instructor, I am happy to oblige!

Here are some ideas:

For anyone: A basic book on a topic you know almost nothing about - for me right now, it's Poetry for Dummies. Treat it like school; spend a little time almost every day, taking notes, reviewing, learning. Stretch your brain in a new area or one you have neglected for far too long.

For couples: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Don't just read it. Take the questionnaire. Take your time. Think about it; talk about it.

For families with elementary school age children: Enemy Pie by Derek Munson. After reading the book, have fun imagining what each of you would do to have fun with an enemy, just like the protagonist.

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do." - Pope John XXIII